ERoSH appoints new chair

Marketing consultant and specialist in older people’s issues, Michele Hollywood, has been voted in as ERoSH’s new chair.

Michele, former marketing director at Hanover Housing Association, takes over from Lucy Cooper MCIH, of Metropolitan Support Trust (part of Metropolitan Housing Partnership), who has stood down from the role after two years. Michele has been an ERoSH trustee for five years and headed up ERoSH’s marketing group before stepping up to be chair.

Michele is delighted with the appointment. She said: "I have worked in the sheltered housing sector for 15 years and feel very strongly about its place as a positive housing option for older people. What we are seeing currently, however, is a shift away from the traditional sheltered housing model towards floating support or, in a worryingly growing number of cases, the decommissioning of schemes - in many cases without full consultation with residents.

"Whilst accepting that some sheltered housing needs to change to keep up with future generations of older people; a whole scale move away from this tried and tested model would seem very short-sighted, especially if we think of the huge increase of numbers in the old and very old who will welcome this form of independent housing for years to come.

"ERoSH’s role, which is primarily raising awareness of sheltered housing, is needed more than ever in order to support its membership through these tough decisions while speaking up for the sector where its voice needs to be heard in central and local government."

Lucy Cooper, who has been awarded ERoSH's lifetime achievement award, said: "ERoSH is challenged to secure recognition in the support sector of sheltered housing’s rich legacy. I am happy to be handing the chair's baton on to Michele, who has a strong track record of working to support the needs of older people, and wish ERoSH all the best for the future."

Michele is the fifth chair of ERoSH, overseeing a UK-wide membership of housing providers, charities and individuals working with and on behalf of sheltered housing.

Other appointments include:

• Wayne Emery, United Welsh Housing Association, Joy Kingsbury, Mendip Housing, and Phil Cross of In Touch Support are appointed trustees
• Althea Howarth, Ridgeway Associates takes over from Dave Morris, independent consultant, as chair of the Collaboration and Development Group.

Meic Phillips (Abbeyfield UK) remains as vice chair and treasurer and Jo McTavish stays as chair of the regional development group.

ERoSH is overseen by an executive that has representation from and association with large and small registered social landlords, local authorities, tenants, and national bodies such as the National Housing Federation, Help the Aged, Age Concern England, Centre for Sheltered Housing Studies and the Elderly Accommodation Counsel.

(Pictured (left to right) are former chairs Imogen Parry and Lucy Cooper sitting next to Michele Hollywood)